5 Refrigerator Maintenance Tips for Optimal Efficiency

Your refrigerator is one of the most used appliances in your home, so it’s important to keep it in top working condition. Refrigerators also carry a hefty price tag, so you’ll want to perform regular maintenance to protect your investment. Additionally, your refrigerator consumes significant energy which can have an effect on your utility bill each month. By keeping it in good working order, you’ll be able to reduce your energy consumption and save on your monthly bills. Follow these 5 maintenance tips to ensure that your refrigerator runs at optimal efficiency for years to come.

1.Clean the interior and exterior

Every week, you should use a damp cloth to clean up any spills or crumbs found on the shelves, in the drawers, or on the walls of your refrigerator. An all-purpose kitchen cleaner can also be used for stubborn spots, as long as you have removed any food that could be contaminated. Also, wipe down the outside of your refrigerator, using stainless steel cleaner if necessary.

2. Clean the rubber gaskets

Refrigerator and freezer doors are lined with rubber seals designed to keep warm air out of the interior of the unit. If they are caked with gunk or sludge they won’t create a tight seal to guard against air leaks, and the refrigerator will have to work harder to keep the inside cool. By cleaning these rubber gaskets as needed with a universal cleaner, you’ll ensure a tight seal that will allow your unit to run efficiently. If any gaskets have become warped or cracked, replace them with new ones.

3. Clean the condenser coils

It’s important to occasionally clean the condenser coils that are located underneath or at the back of your refrigerator. These radiator-like coils serve the important task of drawing heat away from your unit. If the coils get coated with dirt and dust, then the refrigerator has to work harder to remove heat and as a result you’ll see an increase in your electricity bill. Keep the coils clean by brushing or vacuuming every six month to remove the dirt and dust.

4. Replace the water filter

Another step of regular maintenance that should be performed every six months is the replacement of your refrigerator’s water filtration system. If your refrigerator has an ice maker or water dispenser built in, then a fresh filter is necessary to safely remove contaminants. If you wait too long to replace your refrigerator’s filter, it can begin growing bacteria and mold that will contaminate your water and ice.

5. Defrost your freezer

If your refrigerator doesn’t have an automatic defrost control, then you will need to manually defrost it on occasion. You’ll know it’s time to defrost when your freezer has accumulated a layer of frost that is a quarter of an inch thick or more. Defrosting is important because as frost builds up on the interior coils, it restricts airflow and the coils cannot cool as efficiently as they should. To manually defrost your unit, remove everything from both the refrigerator and freezer and keep it in a cooler with ice. Then turn the unit off and open all the doors, allowing the warm air to flow inside. Place towels on the bottom of the refrigerator and freezer to collect the melting liquid. Once completely defrosted, clean the inside with soap and water, rinse, and wipe completely dry before turning the unit back on.

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